Melissa grew up in Western ND. Having learned to ride horse at the age of 5 while living on the family farm, she eventually followed in her grandfather's footsteps and fell in love with rodeo going on to compete in the barrel racing and to hold several rodeo queen titles across the state.
While in college studying Public Relations and Agricultural Education, Melissa discovered a love for acting. After several years of school as well as community theatre, she made the move to Los Angeles in 2008. Melissa packed up her pickup and drove west with no job, no place to live, and no friends or family to stay with. She would do it all over again!
